depression-helpline-nz

1. Free call 0800 376 633 | Free text 234 | Webchat GET HELP LEARN & GROW CONTRIBUTE ADVICE HUB DONATE NEED HELP? Depression Depression As a young person you are likely to have a whole range of emotional experiences, Signs of depression which can feel really intense. When you can’t lift out of these low feelings and Physical reactions you feel low almost all day and nearly every day and it is getting in the way of Not wanting to eat or over-eating you living your life and how you want to live it, then this is sometimes referred to Constantly tired as “depression”. Tearfulness What causes depression? Over sleeping or trouble sleeping Past or recent life events, the way you cope with stress, how you think and Restlessness or moving slower than usual behave, genetics, personality and biology have all been identified as playing a Withdrawing from friends and family part in feeling depressed. Large weight gain or loss Often depression is caused by someone going through a stressful event or several Thoughts and feelings events one after another. “I can't get interested or excited in anything” “I feel sad nearly all day and everyday” Events commonly linked to depression include: “Every day is an “off” day” Losses – like a death of someone close, a relationship break up, friends or “The stuff I used to enjoy I can't be bothered with now” family moving away, moving house or school, parents separating and “I can’t feel better” siblings moving out. “I’m so shamed out” Relationship problems – like conflict in your relationships, feeling “I feel so guilty” dissatisfied with your partner “I deserve this pain” Abuse and violence – witnessing abuse and violence in your past, or “I feel nothing anymore... I’m numb” “I’m not worth anything”  currently in your home, family or relationship. Isolation and loneliness/lack of social support or connection with others “There’s no hope – nothing is going to get better” Things going wrong at school – too much stress, failing, being suspended “Just leave me alone” “No one likes me” or expelled, being bullied, problems with teachers. “I might as well be dead” Illness – your own or someone elses “What’s the point in even trying”  Family problems – not having enough food, safety or comfort at home, “I can’t concentrate or make decisions easily” living in a dangerous neighbourhood, parent’s who have problems with their own mental health, alcohol or drugs. How to cope with depression A traumatic event – like a car accident or burglary. Genetics, biology and personality type also have links to depression. Give yourself chill-out time. Check out our stress page for some chill out strategies that can help. Stay in touch. It’s important to keep seeing your mates and hanging out. Having a family history of depression is thought to increase your chances of experiencing depression. Having a personality type where you are worried lots, Even if you may not feel like it at first, chances are that after an hour of

2. having a low self-esteem or patterns of thinking and coping in unhelpful ways hanging out, you might feel better that you did. Free call 0800 376 633 | Free text 234 | Webchat Go back to basics. Focus on getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, CONTRIBUTE ADVICE HUB (like drinking) might also make some people more likely to experience depression. GET HELP LEARN & GROW If you have been depressed in the past, you might be more likely to become DONATE NEED HELP? and doing some exercise. Focus on getting a stable routine in place. Try depressed again in times of stress, after a full-on event or perhaps for what getting up at the same time every day, having regular meal times, and (if seems like no reason at all. The important thing is to look out for the early you don’t have school, study or work) planning some activities to do – warning signs, and then to take action and reach out for support as early as even if they are just activities to do at home – nothing like a good spring possible. clean for a new start! If you are depressed it is easy to feel like no one else understands or has Take time to express yourself. Allow yourself everyday a bit of time to be experienced the same thing, but the truth is, lots of people get depressed. It alone in a safe space where you can express your feelings. Listen to music, doesn’t mean you are crazy. You aren’t going to be depressed forever. You don’t draw, write a letter or keep a diary. Afterwards, move out of that space, need to face it alone. maybe have a shower or make something to eat and then do something else. Stay healthy. Even though drugs and alcohol might seem like a way to numb your feelings or get on a happier buzz, depression and substances do not mix well! Chances are you’ll feel pretty bad and even worse the next day. Get support. Check out our ‘Getting Help’ section for more info on what support options are out there! About Youthline Contact us Subscribe to our newsletter About us Free call 0800 376 633 indicates required * Our centres Free text 234 Email Address * Career opportunities talk@youthline.co.nz Media enquiries Webchat Partnerships First Name * Privacy Policy Complaints Procedure Phone Number Subscribe     © COPYRIGHT 2017. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.